LEARNING DAILY

 

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity.

 

When I write, I often have some readers in mind that I believe might need some encouragement or correction. Today I am writing to my grandchildren. However, I believe anyone who does take the time to read this might be able to find application to their life.

 

Solomon is writing to encourage youth, perhaps his own son, to enjoy the days of their youth; one’s youth is not to be a drudgery where the days are endured until the next phase of their life comes. Our youngest granddaughter just graduated from high school and is anticipating the coming college years. Our youngest grandson just graduated from college, was married and has begun his career. Our oldest grandson has moved to Wyoming and found out about cold weather and snow as he works and lives there. Our oldest granddaughter is studying to pass state required exams for her career. Our daughters and husbands, although not in their youth are experiencing changes in their lives as the grandchildren move to the next phases of their lives. I must say the days of all their youth has been something to watch and experience. God has wanted them to enjoy their youth; I am so happy my wife and I have been able to enjoy the experience.

 

That being said, God holds each of us accountable for the actions we have done that are sinful. Enjoy life; God wants us to do that. The caution is to remember to walk the narrow way as you enjoy life that God gives us. Be careful of “throwing caution to the wind” and living as if nothing can harm you. That type of lifestyle comes with consequences. 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us God supplies all the things we need to enjoy. There are a number of things we cannot control in our life – when we are born, our height, and who our relatives are. But God leaves the responsibility to choose our point of view. How do we view the circumstances life brings us. Solomon writes that we are to choose to embrace and enjoy life; enjoying life means we do not allow circumstances to be dominated by grief and anger. It means we do not get caught up in the evil ways of the world so we become slaves to evil. Read Romans 6 for further thoughts on this.

 

Okay, that is good advice for each of us regardless of our age. There are consequences for our actions, for our lifestyles that are contrary to the Word of God. It is arrogant to believe God does not see us doing the things we do that He says not to do. It is foolishness to think He does not know when we are dishonest in our dealings with others or take advantage of our position for gain or speak badly of others behind their back.

 

Solomon reminds us of how fast our “youth” gets away from us and we grow up into a world full of temptations and trials. His advice is important for all Christians, “baby” or new Christians or “long timers” who have walked with the Lord for a long time. Enjoy the life God brings to us, walking with Him on a narrow way into eternal life with Him. Remember that as a Christian, He has forgiven you of your sins – we do walk with Him and His grace – but that means we do our best to walk with Him as demands, asking for forgiveness when we fail.

 

To my grandkids, my daughters and my sons-in-law, I say enjoy all God has for you. Walk in His ways and not your own and see just what He will do to honor you and give you the desires of your heart. Do not think you are wise in your own eyes; you will be held accountable for your actions.